BC Speaks Out!
by Colin Baribeau
WHAT HAS CATCA
DONE FOR ME?
WHAT IS CATCA GOING TO DO FOR ME?
I hear these complaints about CATCA National, Regional,
and Branch on a regular basis. Some individuals feel that the
association has become self-serving - that the executive has
forgotten about the operational controller. Others would have you
believe that the union is unprofessional and ill prepared. And,
on occasion, I have even heard that our contract expectations are
unrealistic and unobtainable.
In fact, through extensive research, the National Executive has
confirmed that Canadian Air Traffic Controllers work under one of
the most repressive ATC contracts of any of the industrialized
nations in the world. Sixty years of government meddling and
intervention have been incredibly detrimental to our profession,
yet we continue to provide one of the safest and most efficient
control services in the world. It is with good reason then that
CATCA's expectations are so great under a private air navigation
system.
At Branch level, the representatives of the association have set
aside their personal agendas and volunteered their time so that
every Air Traffic Controller, in the Center, may benefit from
better working conditions. Progress, however slow, continues to
be made on unresolved issues and usually without the full
co-operation of controllers in those respective specialties. It
is time to set aside our personal differences and self-serving
ways. The expectations of the association and each individual can
only be realized by a strong and united membership.
Over one year ago the Saskatchewan Specialty demonstrated how
effective teamwork, unity, and perseverance could be. Having 100%
participation and resolve, their goal was achieved in a
relatively short period of time. We can learn from their example
and accept responsibility for our future by communicating our
ideas and opinions, and educating our co-workers. We must also be
open, honest, and receptive to the goals and expectations of our
peers. Only then can we truly be accountable to one another.
With your full support CATCA has the ability to accomplish
everything. The Members of CATCA can realize the benefits,
salary, and respect that they have earned as the PROVIDERS of the
Worlds most respected Air Navigation Service. We must remain
united, we must work together, and we will persevere. The Next
time you want to ask, "What has CATCA done for me?"
question yourself because YOU are CATCA! Now is the time to be
ACCOUNTABLE & to take RESPONSIBILTY for your future. Its
quite simple, PARTICIPATE.
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